Michael Don Mackey, 59, of Russellville passed away after a year-long battle with cancer on Wednesday, June 12, 2013, in Russellville at the Arkansas River Valley Hospice Home.

The son of Robert and Etsel Mackey, he was born June 25, 1953, in Holdenville, Okla. He married his high school sweetheart, Judy Hipps, on July 7, 1973, in Russellville. Michael drove a school bus as well as a special needs bus for the Russellville School District. He also was a referee coordinator for the Russellville area. He enjoyed refereeing basketball for more than 30 years, cooking, eating, watching golf on TV and especially spending time with his grandchildren who called him “papaw.”

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert L. Mackey, and nephew, Chuck Mackey.

Survivors include his loving wife of 40 years, Judy Mackey; two daughters, Leslie Thomas and husband, Les Thomas Jr. of Fort Smith and Lindsey Phillips and husband, Brian Phillips, of Bentonville; two grandchildren, Madison and Ally Phillips, both of Bentonville; his mother, Etsel Mackey of Van Buren; one brother, Charles Mackey and wife, Pat, of Tulsa, Okla.; two sisters, Melba Patterson and husband, Ethell, of Van Buren and Linda Sallee and the late Roy Sallee of Van Buren; mother-in-law, Jo Ann Hipps; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. Monday, June 17, 2013, at Humphrey Chapel in Russellville. Pastor Roger Pearce will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, June 16, 2013, at the funeral home. Burial will be at North New Hope Cemetery under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service.